Cortland, a vertically integrated, multifamily real estate investment, development, and management company, has appointed Jason Kern President of Investment Management, a new role created to support the firm’s continued growth in the United States and overseas.
Kern reports to Cortland’s CEO, Steven DeFrancis, and will help formulate and implement strategies for the management and growth – both organically and through mergers and acquisitions – of the firm by leveraging its areas of competitive advantage and exploring ways to expand its capabilities. In addition, he oversees the investments, capital markets, corporate finance, investor relations, tax, and accounting teams.
“Utilizing strategic investments to spur growth has been a focus of mine throughout my career,” Kern said. “I’m excited to join a rapidly growing, values-driven organization with a passion for innovation and collaboration, and I am truly inspired to be a part of such a talented team.”
Most recently, Kern served as CEO of LaSalle Investment Management’s Americas division for eight years. He was responsible for managing $24 billion of assets under management and leading the company’s real estate private equity and debt businesses, including strategy, personnel, investments, client relationships, and operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Prior to LaSalle, Kern founded and led the Real Estate & Lodging Advisory, Asia Pacific business for HSBC Bank USA, and before that he spent 17 years with J.P. Morgan in the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, mostly in executive positions in the Global Real Estate & Lodging Investment Banking Group.
“The creation of this role is vital to supporting Cortland’s growth and fostering continued success while preserving the continuity and strengths of the firm’s existing business,” CEO Steven DeFrancis said. “Jason’s depth of global experience gives us confidence that he will lead with an innovative and strategic mindset to help take Cortland to the next phase of our growth.”
Kern has served as a Member of the Boards of Directors of JLL Income Property Trust, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM), and the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE). He earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting at New York University Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English Literature at Colgate University.
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